Ethan Clarke
Texas rigging is a popular method of fishing with soft plastic lures, especially for bass. It is a versatile setup that can be used in various environments, such as grass, docks, and brush piles, and at different depths. The Texas rig is known as weedless because it can slip through weeds and grass without getting snagged, making it a good option for fishing in shallow water with heavy cover. The setup typically includes a bullet-shaped slip sinker, an offset or straight shank hook, and a soft plastic bait, such as a worm. The bullet sinker helps to get the bait to the bottom quicker, and its weight depends on the depth of the water and the density of the structure. Anglers can also add scents to their plastic worms to make them more attractive to fish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rig type | Texas rig |
| Use | One of the first rigs a bass angler should master |
| Best hooks | Offset worm hooks or EWG hooks |
| Best bait | Plastic or rubber worm |
| Best rod | 7-foot medium heavy rod with a little tip action |
| Line weight | 15-20 pound fluorocarbon |
| Fishing style | Cast, pitch, flip, punch |
| Fishing location | Grass, docks, brush piles, wood, rocky cover |
| Water depth | Shallow water |
| Water type | Salt water or fresh water |
| Weight | Depends on depth of water and density of foliage |
| Sinker | Bullet sinker |
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What You'll Learn
How to set up a Texas rig
Setting up a Texas rig is a simple and versatile method for fishing with soft plastic lures. It is commonly used for bass fishing and can be used in various environments, such as grass, docks, and shallow water. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up a Texas rig:
Select the Appropriate Hook
Choose between a straight shank hook or an extra wide gap (EWG) hook. The straight shank hook is ideal for fishing in grassy areas due to its streamlined profile, making it easier to get in and out. On the other hand, the EWG hook is better for hooksets and is suitable for larger soft plastic lures.
Prepare the Bullet Sinker
Slide a bullet-shaped slip sinker onto your fishing line, ensuring the wider end faces the tag line of your line. The weight of the sinker depends on the depth of water and the density of the structure you're fishing in. Generally, use heavier weights for deeper or denser environments and lighter weights for shallower or clearer water.
Mount the Worm
Take your soft plastic worm and mount it onto the hook. Insert the point of the hook through the middle of the worm's nose, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch down, and then bring it out the side. Slide the worm up the hook until the head of the worm is even with or slightly covering the eye of the hook.
Secure the Worm
To secure the worm in place, there are a few different methods you can use:
- Penetrate the hook into the belly of the worm just enough for the barbs to grip the worm without the sharp end coming out the other side.
- Twist the worm 180 degrees around the hook to keep it in place.
- Wrap floss around the hook behind the eye, add super glue, and then slide the plastic over it.
Finalize the Rig
If desired, add beads, rattles, or other noise attractors above the sinker. Additionally, consider using a bobber stop in front of the sinker to keep the weight, hook, and plastic together, preventing tangles in branches. Test the rig to ensure it is weedless, meaning it can move through grass and weeds without getting snagged.
The Texas rig is a versatile and effective setup for soft plastic lures, allowing you to fish at various depths and in different environments. With these steps, you can create a functional Texas rig for your fishing needs.
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Choosing the right hook
When choosing a hook for Texas-rigged soft plastics, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the hook should match the length of the bait. For instance, a 1/0 hook is suitable for 2" baits, while a 3/0 hook is recommended for 4" to 7" worms, and a 4/0 or 5/0 hook for 8" to 12" worms. The hook should be the biggest one that can easily fit into the main body of the bait, with at least a half-inch gap when rigged weedless.
The type of hook also depends on the bait being used. Offset worm hooks, with their 90-degree elbow, are ideal for Texas rigging thin worms like ribbon or straight tails. EWG (extra wide gap) hooks, on the other hand, are better suited for larger soft plastic lures, such as creature baits or beaver-style flipping baits. These EWG hooks have a wider, more aggressive bend, making it easier for bulkier baits to collapse and increasing hook penetration.
Additionally, the weight of the hook is an important consideration. Weighted hooks allow for more depth control and can slow down or speed up the retrieve, affecting the lure's running depth. They also help maintain the centred placement of the bait, keeping it straight and reducing unnatural movements that may spook the fish.
Some anglers also opt for a bobber stop in front of the slip sinker when fishing tight to cover, keeping the weight, hook, and plastic together and allowing for easier manoeuvring through thicker cover.
Lastly, the rod being used should also be considered when choosing the hook. A longer rod, around 7 feet with a medium-heavy backbone, will help take up slack quickly on the hookset, as Texas rigs often require driving the hook through plastic and into the fish.
In conclusion, choosing the right hook for Texas-rigged soft plastics involves considering the size, type, and weight of the hook, as well as the bait and rod being used, to ensure effective fishing and maximise results.
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Using a bullet sinker
The Texas rig is a popular choice for bass anglers due to its versatility and effectiveness in catching big fish. It can be used in both saltwater and freshwater and can be cast, pitched, flipped, punched, and hidden in any place a bass may use as cover.
When fishing in open water, it is better to leave the sinker unpegged to create a more natural action. However, when fishing in heavy cover, a pegging device or bobber stop can be placed above the sinker to keep it close to the hook and prevent it from getting stuck. Additionally, when fishing tight to cover, a bobber stop can be used to keep the weight, hook, and plastic together, making it easier to manoeuvre through branches and thicker cover.
The bullet sinker should be made from materials other than lead, such as brass, ceramic, steel, tungsten, or biodegradable eco-materials. Lead sinkers can be dangerous to health and harmful to aquatic life. When using a bullet sinker, it is important to be cautious as the weight can cause severe injuries if it comes loose at high speed.
When rigging the plastic, it is recommended to use a hook that is big enough for the soft plastic but not too large. The hook should be inserted into the top of the worm and exited at the side of the head, with only the barbs penetrating the worm to avoid getting stuck.
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The best locations for Texas rig fishing
Texas rig fishing is a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of locations and at different times of the year. It is particularly effective for bass fishing and can be used in both shallow and deeper waters. Here are some of the best locations for Texas rig fishing:
- Shallow Waters and Cover: Texas rig fishing is generally very effective in shallow waters, especially around cover. This includes areas with vegetation, docks, and wood structures. A light Texas rig with a 3/8 to 1/2-ounce weight, a 4/0 hook, and a creature bait can be a great combination for fishing in these areas.
- Aquatic Vegetation: During early summer, bass tend to move to deeper waters after spawning in the shallows. Areas with grass lines in 8 to 15 feet of water become attractive locations for bass to ambush their prey while hiding from other predatory fish. Look for spots where two types of grass converge, such as milfoil and hydrilla, or eelgrass and waterweed.
- Creeks, Rivers, and Small Bodies of Water: The Texas rig's versatility allows it to be used in various water bodies, including creeks, rivers, ponds, and small lakes. Its ability to fish through heavy cover makes it ideal for probing these smaller areas effectively.
- Open Water with High Clarity: When fishing in open water with high visibility, it is recommended to use a lightweight 10 to 20-pound fluorocarbon line. This line is less visible to wary fish and can increase your chances of success.
- Heavy Cover: If you're fishing in heavy cover, consider using a braided line. Braided line has more give and provides better hooksets. You can use a heavier line in the 30 to 50-pound test range due to its small diameter.
- Bass Spawning Beds: During the late fall, when the water gets colder, Texas rig fishing with a 1/4-ounce bullethead weight and a stickbait style soft plastic can be effective for targeting bass spawning beds.
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How to reel in the catch
When fishing with a Texas rig, the reel is used to collect the slack line while the rod is used to move the rig. The reel is also important for setting the hook, as strikes often occur on the fall. Therefore, a speedy reel is required to catch up and set the hook.
The best reel for Texas-rigged soft plastics is a baitcasting reel with a gear ratio of at least 7:1. Look for a low-profile reel, which will give you more control when casting or pitching the Texas rig in and around grass. A good example is the Daiwa Tatula Elite 100HSL, which offers a smooth casting experience.
When it comes to reeling in the catch, there are a few techniques you can use. One popular method is to cast beyond the cover and let the rig sink to the bottom. Then, slowly retrieve the rig by twitching, shaking or cranking the rod while reeling it in. You can also try a slow retrieval with a twitch, lifting the rod tip up to bring the bait off the bottom and then letting it sink back down a few feet as you reel. Remember to change your retrieval speed and action based on water temperature—slower in colder water and faster in warmer water.
Another technique is to make a long cast, let the worm hit the bottom, and then start lifting your rod to swim the worm up a foot or two off the bottom. Take up the slack with your reel as the worm falls back down. It's important to keep your rod in front of you at around 10 o'clock so you're always ready to reel down and set the hook. When fishing close to cover, this positioning will help you react quickly before the fish wraps you in the cover.
The Texas rig is versatile and can be used with a variety of soft plastic baits, so feel free to experiment with different retrieval techniques to find what works best for you.
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Frequently asked questions
The best hooks for Texas rigging are offset worm hooks or EWG hooks. An offset worm hook has a 90-degree elbow that is made for Texas rigging. An EWG hook is better for hooksets.
A rod with some backbone is ideal for Texas rigging. A longer rod will help you take up slack quickly on the hookset. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod with a little tip action is best to give you some casting control.
Plastic worms are a popular choice for Texas rigging. They are versatile and can be used in both salt water and fresh water. They are also inexpensive.
The Texas rig is perfect for fishing in grass, around docks, and brush piles. It is also effective in shallow water. When fishing with a Texas rig, let the fish grab the bait for a few seconds before setting the hook.
